Tuesday, May 22, 2012

A Little Exploring

Lutz, Florida (high 88, low 71)

We took a drive to downtown Tampa on Sunday. We were looking for a place to launch the kayaks where we could paddle and have the Tampa skyline in the background. I thought that I remembered such a place. We did NOT find it, however this morning I found this picture on the internet which is what I wanted to get.

The places we found to launch were too far away.

There is a rowing club nearby and this picture is from their website. We saw some people rowing their skulls. Check out this short video. They moved so darn fast, I could barely keep up with them. The girls were in a smaller boat could not keep up with the guys, who were in a larger boat.

Skulls on the Hillsborough River

There was a small motor boat guiding them, training them, or something?? You could hear the person in the background.

After we watched the rowing a while, we took a drive over the bridge to Davis Island. The baseball player, Derek Jeter recently built a huge mansion there. It’s over 30,000 square feet and valued at nearly 8 million dollars. It took up two waterfront lots.

It was easy enough to find. Here is a picture I took, which really doesn’t show the size well.

The following are pictures I got on the internet.

The photo below shows the mansion towards the bottom right. How about the view he has from his backyard? Do you think he’d mind if we launched the kayaks from his place?

I think some people earn way too much money. Why does a single guy need that much space?

Yesterday, Monday we made a trip up to Homosassa River State Park. We got in free using our Florida Parks pass. We’ve been there many times so I didn’t bother to take many pictures.

Here is Lucifer the hippo. He is the only remaining non-native animal at the park. He is an old man at 52 years old.

I think this is the first time I’ve seen him out of the water. It was dinner time.

A male Wood Duck.

A Pileated Woodpecker.

And for those who asked…..a picture of Al pushing a baby (kitty) stroller. You can also see Baxter looking out.

Hey Lady, you went right near my house and didn't stop! Next time call me and we will meet you anywhere! Love your pictures! Especially the house! Ken was telling me he wanted to get a kayak But you know me I am afraid of water! Oh well! Love to read your posts!

When we were at Homossossa about three weeks ago Lucifer stayed in the water and didn't move a muscle the whole three hours we walked around the park.Looks like he was having an off day.Paul & Helen told us he is always active when they go to the park. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna.....

I think they build those homes because they can and perhaps because they are insecure in how important they are and want to make sure everyone can see. Really a THIRTY THOUSAND square foot house. The average house in 1960 was 1000 square feet. But then that's just my cynical opinion.

Can you launch from Lettuce Lake Park and just paddle on out of the park??